F3: Oyster Quadrille

This Fresh Forkin' Friday I am thinking of finding a lemon fork, a tray of oysters, and some Laphroaig for dinner. I loves me some saucy little bivalves. There is something about the coppery, cucumbery bite of certain oysters that make me just happy. It's like the back hit on your tongue from the first sip of an IPA while standing in the surf. I am more than excited for the coming Oyster Fest at Meritage. The thought of being able to slog oyster after oyster all day is exhilarating to me, but if you consider yourself a newbie, there will be plenty of education from experts and the oyster farmers themselves. Live music and the release of Liftbridge's new Oyster Stout will undoubtedly keep the good times rolling, but don't miss the local chef oyster shucking contest (emceed by yours truly), which should be a slippery good time. Tickets are going fast, chums . . .

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OPENS

The Crooked Pint Ale House is scheduled to open this weekend in the former 501 space off Washington. The menu is pub-fare with burgers (some Lucy renditions), sandwiches, pot roast, meatloaf, walleye, a couple steaks, and the like. It will also have live music, film screenings, and tons of beer. Man, it's just raining pubs.

CLOSES

It seems like Block E is just cleaning house. Hard Rock announced that its last day would be September 30 and the Cold Stone outlet just quietly closed up shop. This after the exodus of Applebee's, Hooters, and Panchero's. Let's hope Kieran's keeps the corner warm.

CHANGES

The replacement for departing chef Jack Riebel has been named by the Dakota, and there are two names on the bill: Derek Moran and Kristin Tyborski. It's a team thing. Moran has been slaving on the stoves at Nick & Eddie and Tyborski has cooked inthe kitchens of Solera and Sea Change. This is an interesting development to say the least, and I am looking forward to see if they can achieve some sort of balance in the kitchen. P.S. Some of us had money on the job going to Tyge Nelson.

COMING SOON

The Donut Co-op has risen again! The girls behind the most anticipated donuts in town have found a new location: the former Cake Eater bakery. They are busy redecorating the space and should be open this season.

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Celebrating its Grand Opening the weekend, though it has been open for a bit, Viva Brazil is offering half off all menu prices if you make a reservation. Might be a good chance to check out the moqueca or some feijoada for under $10!

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Gorkha Palace is celebrating its one year anniversary with some love for you, the eater. Starting Monday the 12th through the 18th, the restaurant will take 15 percent off your meal, donate a portion of sales to a local charity, and offer goods such as prizes and complimentary champagne. Seems like a good week to go!

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If you didn't get tix for the Summit or Surly bash this weekend, you can still beer it up at the Lyn-Lake Oktoberfest courtesy of the Herk. Live music starts at 1 p.m., there should be some live art as well, nosh will be provided by a collection of food trucks, and good times will ensue. No tickets needed.

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Also, don't forget that this weekend is KIELBASA FEST! in good ol' Nordeast. Tickets are still available and a steal at $10.

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Food and Dining editor Stephanie March writes and edits Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Eat + Drink section. She can also be heard Saturdays on her myTalk107.1 radio show, Weekly Dish, where she talks about the Twin Cities food scene.